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J Reconstr Microsurg 2010; 26(3): 193-200
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1247715
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Improvement of Prearterialized Venous Flap Survival with Delay Procedure in Rats

Hede Yan1 , 2 , Darrell Brooks3 , William D. Jackson1 , Michael F. Angel1 , Ovunc Akdemir1 , Feng Zhang1
  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery (Division of Plastic and Hand Surgery), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
  • 3Department of Hand and Microsurgical Reconstruction, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 January 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The purpose of this experimental study is to investigate the improvement in flap survival of prearterialization with delay procedure in venous flaps in rats. The transverse superficial inferior epigastric flap was utilized. Forty-six rats were randomized into four groups: group 1 as arterialized venous flaps, group 2 as venous flaps of prearterialization with delay procedure, group 3 as arterial perfusion venous flap, and group 4 as venous perfusion venous flap. Direct observation, histological analysis, and vascular perfusion examination by Indian ink injection were performed for flap assessment. The percentage of flap survival was 41.6 ± 2.4%, 98.0 ± 1.8%, 89.5 ± 1.0%, and 11.3 ± 0.8% in these four groups, respectively. Significant differences were noted between groups (p < 0.05) except for between group 2 and group 3 (p > 0.05). Vascular perfusion studies revealed that the Indian ink filled the entire flaps of group 2 in comparison with partially filled flaps in other groups. Histological examination showed more small vessels were observed through all layers of the flaps as well as dilated superficial veins in group 2 than those in other groups. In conclusion, prearterialization with delay procedure can improve the viability of the flap, and this method may be a strategy for flap prefabrication based on the venous network.

KEYWORDS

Arterialized venous flap - prearterialization - surgical delay - flap survival

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Feng ZhangM.D. Ph.D. 

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center

2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216

Email: fzhang@surgery.umsmed.edu